Modular Cabinet Storage System For Toilets

ABSTRACT

A modular cabinet storage system for toilets that has a modular outside design that allows it to be mounted onto a standard toilet water tank, and is shaped to match the tank so that it blends well with the existing toilet design for aesthetics. Its outside modular design also allows other modular cabinet storage units to be stacked above or below it. The modular cabinet storage system is modular internally as well, providing the means to allow a wide variety of modular subassemblies to be installed inside it, such as shelving, bins, drawers and panels. These subassemblies allow the storage system to provide storage space for articles and to help organize them for easy retrieval.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a bathroom accessory storagecabinet and more particularly to a modular cabinet assembly which isplaced onto a toilet's water tank that provides space for the storage ofarticles.

Modern bathrooms tend to be rather small rooms with limited storagecapacity, especially those located in apartments. Half bathrooms tend tobe even smaller rooms with very little to no storage areas. What fewdrawers that may be available with an existing sink cabinet could easilybecome cluttered with too many items piled in. Bathrooms that havepedestal sinks leave no place below them for storage.

There exists a great need for extra storage space for the placement ofbasic bathroom related articles in the bathroom.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the principal objective of the present invention to add extrastorage space for articles related to the bathroom.

A further object of the present invention is to create a storage systemthat optimizes the use of this extra storage space. A wide variety ofarticle containment arrangements can better utilize the available spaceand will help organize the articles for easy retrieval. Some bathroomrelated articles to store and help organize are:

-   -   1) Storage of Reading Materials: It is common for some people to        spend some amount of time using the toilet, so it is popular for        them to read books or magazines there. Generally, people simply        place these items where they can easily reach them while using        the toilet. They store them on the lid of the toilet water tank        or in a rack near the toilet which, in either case, can appear        untidy. It is an objective of the present invention to provide        storage for reading materials in the bathroom.    -   2) Storage of Bathtub Related Articles: It is common for people        to place bathtub related articles around the perimeter of the        bathtub which can appear untidy. It is an objective of the        present invention that can provide storage for bathtub related        articles as well as spare supplies within easy reach from the        tub for such items as soap bars, shampoo, conditioner and wash        cloths.    -   3) Storage of Hygiene Products: A storage unit for articles that        are typically used by a person using the toilet needs to be        within convenient reach. This space could be used to hold rolls        of toilet paper, wet wipes, diapers and feminine products. It is        an objective of the present invention that can provide storage        for hygiene products within easy reach of the toilet.    -   4) Storage of General Toiletries: A storage unit would be a        perfect place to store extra toiletry supplies, such as shaving        cream, razor blades, nail clippers, dental floss, tooth paste,        tooth brushes, cologne, mouth wash, hairbrushes, combs and hair        dryers. It is an objective of the present invention that can        provide storage of general toiletries.    -   5) Storage of Jewelry: Women often have numerous small articles        of jewelry such as rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and        brooches. As these items can be rather small and many in number,        a specially designed storage system can store and organize these        items. It is an objective of the present invention that can        provide storage of Jewelry.    -   6) Storage of Cosmetics: Women often have numerous small        articles of cosmetics as well, such as lipstick, lotions,        perfumes, nail polish and makeup. It would be beneficial to have        all of these beauty essentials in one organized storage place.        It is an objective of the present invention that can provide        storage of cosmetics.    -   5) Storage of General Cleaning Supplies: Without adequate        storage space in the bathroom, often cleaning supplies would        have to be stored in another room. Extra bathroom storage space        can be utilized for many purposes, such as storing bathroom        spray cleaners, deodorizers and toilet bowl sanitizers. It is an        objective of the present invention that can provide storage of        general cleaning supplies.

Another object of the present invention is to provide the mostinconspicuous and unobtrusive product as to maintain look thetraditional bathroom.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a product thatrequires no bathroom alterations or special tools to install it.

The present invention achieves the above objectives and others asdescribed below.

Toilet Area Storage System:

The present invention is designed to take advantage of the unused spacethat exists above the average toilet water tank for a storage location.This location is perfect as a central storage place in many smallbathrooms because it is within easy reach of the bathtub, the toilet andthe sink area. It is a cabinet assembly that consists of a uniquemodular cabinet housing and an optional internal modular subassembly.This storage system can help virtually any bathroom to provide aconvenient place to store things and to help organize them.

Modular Cabinet Housing:

The present invention is a unique modular cabinet housing that isdesigned to mount onto the top rim of a standard toilet water tank,inserted between the water tank and the water tank's lid. It is shapedto blend in with the design of the water tank for aesthetics. The bottomof the cabinet has guides that allow the cabinet to fit onto the watertank without the need for fasteners. The top edge of the cabinet housingis a rim just like that of the water tank to allow the original toilet'slid to be re-installed. This allows the stock toilet lid to be reused sothat the general design of the toilet can be maintained and to help thecabinet to blend into the existing bathroom decor. The cabinet can haveits own custom top as well.

The general design of the cabinet is modular in nature so that a maximumof utility can be achieved. This modular design allows other modularcabinets housing assemblies to be installed above or below it. There canbe many cabinet size and shape variations, depending on how much spacethat is desired along with the type of article that is to be stored.This cabinet can be simply used as a bare housing, whereby bulk itemscan be easily placed inside or the cabinet can use a subassembly toprovide convenient compartmental storage for smaller articles.

Modular Cabinet Subassembly:

The modular cabinet housing is designed to accommodate an optionalinterior modular subassembly. The subassembly can contain a plurality ofcompartments that take any form, such as commonly used drawers, shelves,bins, panels and partitions. These compartments can help moreefficiently utilize the available internal storage space for smallarticles and to help keep them organized therein. A wide range ofarticle storage needs can be achieved with a variety of cabinet housingshapes and with the makeup of the subassembly compartments.

Strategic Location of Cabinet:

The present invention is strategically placed onto a toilet water tankto take advantage of the unused space above the tank and also provides acentral location for storage for convenient access from most placeswithin a typical bathroom. This storage area on the toilet would allowplacement of reading material and basic hygiene supplies within easyreach from the toilet. Storage above the toilet would be a perfect placeto store toilet paper and feminine products.

Bathroom and Toilet Aesthetics:

One important object of the present invention is to provide the mostinconspicuous and unobtrusive cabinet as to maintain look thetraditional bathroom. The present invention achieves this because thetoilet water tank mounted modular cabinet is shaped like the water tankso as to blend in with the existing facility, making it inconspicuous.The aesthetics of the toilet then appear normal, with the appearance ofonly a slightly taller than usual water tank. The modular cabinet couldbe provided with its own detachable lid, but reusing the original stocktoilet lid will better preserve the original toilet aesthetics.

Universal Applications:

For universal applications, this modular cabinet can be offered in ageneric cabinet shape or “skin” that is designed to work and look goodwith a wide range of brands and models of toilets. Adjustable mountingguides can assure a secure fit with a wide variety of tanks shapes. Thiswill enhance the present invention's ability to be used on large numbersof existing toilets.

Storage Cabinet Mobility:

An embodiment of the present invention allows the modular cabinetassembly to function as mobile storage unit, whereby it can be pulledfrom its place above the toilet and moved to another location. In thiscase, a special modular lid adapter can be placed onto the toilet tankso that the cabinet can be placed securely onto it and whereby removingthe cabinet allows the lid adapter to remain in order to keep the tankcovered for aesthetics. This feature may be of benefit if the cabinettakes the form of a vanity.

Cabinet Top Storage Area:

The toilet tank lid can be left off the modular cabinet to allow the topsurface of the cabinet to be utilized for even more storage space. Thecabinet can be designed with an attractive top surface that will allowit to be displayed without a lid. For example, a multi-drawer cabinetcould function as a vanity and its top could simply be an open rimmed,felt lined surface that would allow cosmetics and jewelry to be securelyplaced there without rolling off.

Ease of Installation:

The modular cabinet's position on the water tank also allows easyinstallation of the device as it merely sits on the tank, requiring nofasteners. Guides on the cabinet's bottom mates with the water tank'srim to keep the cabinet securely in place. The top of the modularcabinet has a rim just like the water tank so that the original lid canbe attached to it. This modular design also allows it to be easilyremoved so that quick service to the components inside the water tankcan be made such as freeing up a stuck flush valve.

Expandable Storage:

Another feature of the modular nature of the present invention is thatother modular cabinets can be added for additional storage. Morecabinets can simply be stacked onto each other in any sequence.

SUMMARY

The present invention is modular in two ways: 1) It is a cabinet thathas a modular shape so that it can be stacked with other modular unitsonto a standard toilet water tank; 2) The cabinet is modular internallyas well so that a variety of modular subassemblies can be installedtherein.

Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it should be understood that the present invention may beembodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spiritor the scope of the present invention. The present examples are to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is notto be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified withinthe scope of the appended claims along with their full scope ofequivalents.

The above mentioned objectives and advantages of this invention and themanner of attaining them will become more apparent and the inventionitself will be best understood by reference to the following detaileddescriptions of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbecome more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the invention as mounted on astandard toilet with its swing doors hinged open to reveal several rollsof toilet paper stored within it.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the modular cabinet housingillustrating how an assortment of modular subassemblies can be installedinto it.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the modular cabinet with a shelfstyle modular subassembly storage unit installed.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the modular cabinet with a binstyle modular subassembly storage unit installed.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the modular cabinet with a drawerstyle modular subassembly storage unit installed.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the modular cabinet with a panelstyle modular subassembly storage unit installed.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a shorter version of the modularcabinet with the swing doors as shown in the closed position.

FIG. 8 is the same perspective view as in FIG. 7 but is shown with itstop removed and its swing doors open to reveal several rolls of toiletpaper stored inside.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a cabinet assembly without its topand shows two vertically mounted drawers.

FIG. 10 is the same front perspective view as FIG. 9 but shows one ofthe drawers pulled out to illustrate its removability.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a cabinet assembly without itstop and shows two horizontally mounted drawers.

FIG. 12 is the same front perspective view as FIG. 11 but shows one ofthe drawers pulled out to illustrate its removability.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the modular cabinet with a chestof drawers style modular subassembly storage unit installed.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the modular cabinet with a panelstyle modular subassembly storage unit installed.

FIG. 15 is an exploded front perspective view of the modular cabinetwith a drawer style modular subassembly storage unit installed that isequipped with lights and mirrors to function a vanity cabinet. Anadapter lid is shown between the tank and cabinet, which allows thecabinet to be removed and used remotely without leaving the toilet tankopen.

FIG. 16 is the same front perspective view as FIG. 15 but illustratesthe assembly together, with the modular cabinet placed upon the lidadapter which is then installed onto a toilet's water tank.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view several modular cabinets that arestacked together where each have different styles of subassembliesinstalled into them to illustrate the modular nature of the cabinets andthe expandability of the storage space.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a hamper style modular cabinetthat has a hinged lid.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   51 Modular Cabinet Assembly-   52 Water tank-   53 Lid, Water tank-   54 Housing, Cabinet-   55 Subassembly, Shelf Module-   56 Subassembly, Bin Module-   57 Subassembly, Drawer Module-   58 Subassembly, Panel Module-   59 Door, Swing-   60 Shelf-   61 Bin-   62 Drawer-   63 Panel-   64 Roll, Toilet Paper-   65 Hook, Jewelry-   66 Mirror, Lighted-   67 Adapter, Lid-   68 Rim-   69 Guide, Mounting-   70 Ring-   71 Necklace-   72 Lid, Hamper-   73 Cover, Modular Cabinet Top

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbecome more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate likeparts throughout the figures thereof.

Modular Cabinet Invention:

FIG. 1 illustrates the basic idea of this invention, where a modularcabinet assembly 51 is mounted onto a standard toilet water tank 52. Thecabinet housing 54 is shaped to fit the shape of the water tank 52 sothat it helps to blend in with the decor of the bathroom. Swing doors 59are utilized to allow access to the interior space for the storage ofarticles. For a storage example, FIG. 1 illustrates several rolls oftoilet paper 64 that are stored inside the cabinet assembly 51.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the modular cabinet housingillustrating how an assortment of modular subassemblies can be installedinto it. This illustrates the modular nature of the internal componentsof the cabinet housing 54. Modular subassemblies, such as shelfsubassembly 55, bin subassembly 56, drawer subassembly 57 and panelsubassembly 58 are designed to be inserted into the cabinet housing 54.Combinations of these compartment styles can be utilized, such as asubassembly design that can contain bins, drawers and shelves all in oneunit. This allows limitless storage containment possibilities.

FIG. 3 illustrates a modular shelf subassembly 55 as installed into acabinet housing 54 to create a modular cabinet assembly 51. Theremovable and adjustable shelves 60 can be used to store such articlessuch as magazines, newspapers and wash clothes.

FIG. 4 illustrates a modular bin subassembly 56 as installed into acabinet housing 54 to create a modular cabinet assembly 51. Bins 61 canbe used to store articles such as books, shampoo and bathroom cleaners.

FIG. 5 illustrates a modular drawer subassembly 57 as installed into acabinet housing 54 to create a modular cabinet assembly 51. Drawers 62can be used to store such articles as razor blades, nail clippers,dental floss, tooth paste, and tooth brushes. The small drawers 62 thatare shown can be any size and/or shape.

FIG. 6 illustrates a modular panel subassembly 58 as installed into acabinet housing 54 to create a modular cabinet assembly 51. Panels 63can be used to store jewelry or any other small articles that can behung on hooks 65, shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 7 a front perspective view that illustrates a shorter version ofthe modular cabinet 54 with swing doors 59 to create a modular cabinetassembly 51 with the swing doors 59 shown in the closed position.

FIG. 8 is the same illustration as shown in FIG. 7 but with its topcover 74 removed and its swing doors 59 open to reveal the internalstorage space. Several rolls of toilet paper 64 can be seen inside tosuggest a good purpose for the modular cabinet assembly 51.

FIG. 9 illustrates a modular cabinet assembly 51 without the use ofswing doors 59 to cover two vertical drawers 62.

FIG. 10 is the same illustration as shown in FIG. 9 but with one of itsdrawers 62 pulled out to illustrate its removability.

FIG. 11 illustrates a modular cabinet assembly 51 without the use ofswing doors 59 to cover two horizontal drawers 62.

FIG. 12 is the same illustration as shown in FIG. 11 but with one of itsdrawers 62 pulled out to illustrate its removability.

FIG. 13 is the same front perspective view as FIG. 5, with a modulardrawer subassembly 57 that is installed into a cabinet housing 54 tocreate a modular cabinet assembly 51, but now is shown with more detailsuch as a lighted mirror 59 to demonstrate how this assembly canfunction as a vanity.

FIG. 14 is the same front perspective view as shown in FIG. 6, with amodular panel subassembly 58 that is installed into a modular cabinethousing 54 to create a modular cabinet assembly 51, but now adds moredetail such as hooks 65 to demonstrate how this assembly can function asa jewelry organizer. Hooks 65 are shown mounted into removable panels 63to illustrate their ability to hold jewelry such as a ring 70 and anecklace 71.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective, exploded view of a modular cabinetassembly 51 that is oriented over an adapter lid 67 and a toilet watertank 52. The cabinet assembly 51 includes a modular drawer subassembly57 with lighted mirrors 66 to function as a vanity cabinet. This viewillustrates how the cabinet assembly 51 can sit down on an adapter lid67 that would cover the water tank 52 so that the cabinet assembly 51can be removed and used remotely without leaving the toilet tank open.

FIG. 16 is the same front perspective view as FIG. 15 but illustratesthe assemblies mounted together, with the modular cabinet assembly 51placed upon the adapter lid 67 which is then installed onto the toiletwater tank 52.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of several modular cabinets that arestacked together whereby each have different styles of subassembliesinstalled into them to illustrate the modular nature of the cabinets andthe expandability of the storage space.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a hamper style cabinet that has ahinged lid 72.

The previous illustrations depicts only a few standard modularsubassembly designs, such as shelves 60 for storing magazines, bins 61for the storage of books, drawers 62 for storing small articles, andpanels 63 for the storage of small items such as jewelry. Virtually anystyle and combination of compartments can be utilized in thesubassemblies.

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled) 6.(canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. A modularcabinet storage system for toilets with structural features to allow aplurality of said cabinets to modularly fit and be stacked together forexpandability and with other structural features to allow said cabinetto be internally modular as well for versatility, and then to beremovably stacked onto a toilet water tank, comprising a modular cabinethousing having a top side with a modular rimmed edge and bottom sidewith a modular mounting guide and defining an interior modularcompartment and modular subassembly, comprising: a) said modular rimmededge that is shaped to allow the engagement of a mating modular mountingguide that protrudes from a similar modular cabinet (or the originalwater tank lid) for the purpose of the engagement, positioning andsecure mounting of said similar modular cabinet (or said tank lid)thereof and whereby said cabinet system can then expand externally andalso have the capability to reuse said original tank lid; b) saidmodular mounting guide that protrudes from said bottom side of saidmodular cabinet housing that is shaped to allow the engagement,positioning and secure mounting of a mating top modular rimmed edge froma similar modular cabinet (or the rim of said water tank) thereof andwhereby said cabinet system can securely mount onto said toilet watertank; c) said modular interior compartment that provides space for thestorage of articles and that is shaped for the mounting and integrationof modular subassemblies in order to provide the ability to subdivideits space into a variety of ways to more efficiently organize, store andretrieve articles, comprising: i) a means to gain access to said modularinterior compartment; ii) a modular cabinet subassembly that is shapedto allow the engagement, positioning and secure mounting within saidmodular interior compartment, comprising: (a) at least one subassemblyinterior compartment with a method to gain access to said compartment;(b) a means for fastening said cabinet subassembly to into said interiorcompartment of said cabinet housing to form a complete cabinet assembly;(c) whereby said subassembly can modularly engage and securely fitwithin said cabinet interior compartment and enables the storage andretrieval of articles; iii) whereby said modular interior compartmentcan be accessed to store and retrieve articles; iv) whereby said modularinterior compartment's subassembly can be installed and secured, and canbe accessed to store and retrieve articles; d) whereby said cabinethousing exterior forms a modular structure so that other modular cabinethousings can be engaged, positioned and securely mounted thereof forexpandability; e) whereby said cabinet housing can be securely andremovably mounted onto said water tank while retaining the ability toreuse the original toilet water tank lid; f) whereby said cabinethousing interior forms a modular structure so that modular cabinetsubassemblies can be installed therein for versatility and efficientoptimization of space;
 11. The modular cabinet storage system of claim10 whereby said modular cabinet housing is shaped to fit and blend inwith said water tank for aesthetics.
 12. The modular cabinet storagesystem of claim 10 whereby said cabinet is shaped in a generic packageto fit a wide variety of water tank designs for the versatility of auniversal fit.
 13. The modular cabinet storage system of claim 10whereby a lid adapter can be utilized as part of said modular cabinetsystem to keep said water tank covered thereby enabling said cabinetassembly to be removed from said lid adapter thereby enabling saidcabinet's mobility for its remote usage from the bathroom, comprising alid with a top planar side with a modular rimmed edge and a bottom sidewith a modular mounting guide, comprising; a) said modular rimmed edgethat is shaped to allow the mating of a modular mounting guide thatprotrudes from said modular cabinet for the purpose of engaging,positioning and securely mounting said cabinet onto said rimmed edge; b)said modular guide that is shaped to protrude from said bottom side ofsaid lid adapter and is shaped to engage the rim of said water tank forthe purpose of engaging, positioning and securely mounting said lidadapter onto said tank; c) whereby said lid adapter can securely mountonto said water tank and provide a base for said modular cabinet housingto be securely mounted upon it; d) whereby said lid adapter enables saidcabinet assembly to be removed from said lid adapter thereby allowingits mobility for the remote usage of said cabinet while keeping saidwater tank covered.
 14. The modular cabinet storage system of claim 10whereby said cabinet interior compartment is formed to accommodateshelves, bins, drawers, panels or any combination thereof.
 15. Themodular cabinet storage system of claim 10 whereby said cabinetsubassembly compartments are formed to accommodate shelves, bins,drawers, panels or any combination thereof.
 16. The modular cabinetstorage system of claim 10 whereby said modular cabinet interiorsubassembly is removable.
 17. The modular cabinet storage system ofclaim 10 whereby said means of attachment of said cabinet interiorsubassembly into said cabinet includes glue, staples, nails andfasteners.